Ed Pastor: “first of all, the language of the bill only deals with one identification card. It is the matricula consular. So it is…”

“first of all, the language of the bill only deals with one identification card. It is the matricula consular. So it is specific to a card that is issued by the Mexican consulate, and the Mexican consulate has been issuing this card since 1871. A Mexican resident has to go to the consulate, show proof of citizenship, Mexican citizenship, a photo ID to show that that is the person, and thirdly, proof of the residence that they are having in this country. That is the requirement. Since 9/11, the Mexican Government has made this card harder to get and also more authentic in terms of a fraud-free card to the best of their ability. Since 9/11, because of the U.S. PATRIOT Act, according to section 219, the Treasury, in cooperation and consultation with the various departments, Department of Justice, FBI, et cetera, accepted a regulation that allows this card to be used as primary identification for a bank or financial institution. Now, we have heard a number of allegations. All throughout this debate, at the subcommittee and the full Committee of Appropriations, the only letter that has come to the Committee on Appropriations has been the letter signed by the Secretary of the Treasury. The FBI has not sent a letter. Today, we have a letter before us that is signed by the Deputy Attorney General from the U.S. Department of Justice saying that they agree with the regulation of the Treasury and would like to continue the use of its card.”